The Kiss (Bonobo)

painting of two bonobos kissing on the mouth, inspired by Gustav Klimt — Gwenn Seemel
*The Kiss (Bonobo)*
2012
acrylic on panel
10 x 10 inches

I loved remaking Gustav Klimt’s iconic image with bonobos, but this isn’t my favorite painting of two primates. This one is and the reason why is probably obvious. Below is the text from the book Crime Against Nature that goes with this image.

Some girls have sex with girls and boys.

Among the bonobos, females dominate males socially. Reinforced by frequent mutual sexual stimulation, their same-sex bonds form the core of bonobo social organization. Males are not excluded from these affections; bonobos of both sexes engage in sexual encounters with males and females alike.

wildlife painting by Gwenn Seemel — detail image